KK Atletas (Lithuanian: Kauno rajono Krepšinio Klubas Atletas) is a professional basketball club that is based in Kaunas district, Lithuania. Currently, the team plays in the National Basketball League. In the past, Atletas participated in the LKL and the Baltic League, before dissolving in 2007 and becoming BC Aisčiai-Atletas. In 2009, the team merged with BC Kaunas Triobet and played with the names of Kaunas, Baltai and LSU-Baltai. In 2013, the club was renamed again to LSU-Atletas as it merged with the NKL champions of the same name. Atletas are multiple time LKL finalists and were once considered to be one of the strongest teams in Lithuania.
| KK Atletas | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Leagues | National Basketball League | ||
| Founded | 1962 | ||
| History | Atletas (1962–1998) Topo Centras–Atletas (1998–2004) Hidruva–Atletas (2004–2005) Atletas (2005–2007) Aisčiai-Atletas (2007–2008) Aisčiai (2008–2010) BC Kaunas (2010–2011) BC Baltai (2011–2012) LSU-Baltai (2012–2013) LSU-Atletas (2013–2014, 2015–2021) KK Atletas (2021-present) | ||
| Arena | Garliava Arena | ||
| Location | Garliava, Lithuania | ||
| Team colors | Yellow and Light green | ||
| Head coach | Remigijus Bardauskas | ||
| Championships | 5 Lithuanian SSR Championships | ||
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Lithuanian stars Žydrūnas Ilgauskas, Saulius Štombergas, and Donatas Motiejūnas have all played for the club in the early stages of their careers.
Latest seasons
edit| Season | League | Pos. | Significant Events | Baltic League | Pos. | LKF Cup |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008–09 | LKL | 6 | Quarterfinalist | Challenge Cup | 3 | Round of 16 |
| 2009–10 | LKL | 13 | – | Challenge Cup | 13 | First round |
| 2010–11 | LKL | 10 | – | Challenge Cup | 2 | First round |
| 2011–12 | LKL | 8 | – | Elite Division | 13 | – |
| 2012–13 | LKL | 11 | – | Elite Division | R1 | Fourth round |
| 2013–14 | LKL | 12 | Relegated | – | – | Fourth round |
Honours
editDomestic competitions
edit- Winners (5): 1968, 1982, 1983, 1989, 1990